Alienware Owner/Feedback?

[E.T.]

Ive been considering replacing my aging rig.

Yesterday I received a $200 off coupon towards an Area 51 system [very cool...or should I say hot rig].
Intel Duo E6400 2.13 CPU [2MB cache/1066 FSB], 700watt psu, 1gig low latency ddr2@800mhz, 259gig HD ATA, 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT, 7.1 audio, 16x Dual Layer DVD±R/W Drive & the usual misc peripherals. I opted for no monitor as I have what I need. Price including 3 day shipping is $1600.


I would like to hear any/all feedback re:Alienware, both pre & post Dell buy out.

Ive got a few weeks to act on this, appreciate any news good or bad.:thumbsup:

[Mochan]

Looks really sexy. For the price, it's surprisingly low-cost for an Alienware. As for feedback, I wouldn't know. I've never had an Alienware. The price tag is higher than what I'd expect, while I would never recommend getting an Alienware, I guess it's okay.

[Renzatic Gear]

Since Alienwares are basically Dells nowadays, make sure they don't cut any corners and offer you cheap parts. Check the motherboard, and make sure they didn't do anything stupid like propritiarize the CPU so it can only fit in Dell mobos.

Other than that, it's a damn good system. I say go for it. Just make sure you format and reinstall the OS first thing to make sure everything is up and running at it's most optimal.

[E.T.]

I know that Dell acquired Alienware, but I dont think that the Alienware units being sold now are actullay being built by Dell. For one thing, Dell.com doesnt inventory any Alienware units [at least not that I could find on site].
Also, some of the hardware in the Area 51 model 7500 is not available on Dell rigs, that includes the XPS's.

Regarding the mobo, this is all thats stated: " Alienware Approved NVIDIA nForce 4 SLI Motherboard ".

4Q's for you Renz
[1] What do you make of the Mobo?

[2] Reformat & install OS? Am I wrong in assuming Alienware has already optimized rig for max FPS etc? Perhaps youre right considering Dells involvement.

[3] Would you please check out all specs on 7500 & tell me what you thinkk afterwards?
http://www.alienware.com/Configurator_Pages/area-51_7500_r3.aspx?SysCode=PC-AREA51-7500-R3&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

[4] Im placing a call to Alienware as soon as I hear form you on this. Let me know if theres anything else I should inquire about. I know right off the get-go Im going to grab another 2gb of ram for a total of 3 gb...sound good?

Thanks

E.T.

[BaneNWN]

I wouldnt buy it for the simple fact that they dont even tell you what brand of mobo it is.this is all you get Alienware® Approved NVIDIA nForce 4 SLI Motherboard.

[Renzatic Gear]

It's a good computer on paper, but I'm suspicious of the fact they don't tell you the brand names for anything. Considering what you're spending, I'd expect everything to be top tier stuff and not noname SUPERFAST DDR2 RAM like what they're advertising.

Truth be told, you could probably build the same computer on Cyberpower PC (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com) with brand name parts, and it'll still cost you less than the Alienware...even taking your $200 off coupon into account.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

[1] What do you make of the Mobo?


Just contact them via email for a detailed product description/model number. That's what I did with Seanix before ordering mine from Future Shop. Man, that was a pain tracking down the manufacturer of Future Shop's pre-built rigs... but once I did, they answered every question I had about the mobo and monitor that I had.

[E.T.]

Just contact them via email for a detailed product description/model number. That's what I did with Seanix before ordering mine from Future Shop. Man, that was a pain tracking down the manufacturer of Future Shop's pre-built rigs... but once I did, they answered every question I had about the mobo and monitor that I had.

Good idea...I was just getting ready to pick up the phone for some Alien chat on this rig.

Wanna hear something funny [sad actually]......I called Dell & asked sales tech about their recent aquisition of Alienware, the sales tech said " who?...what?....Ive not heard of Alienware..." [which leads me to believe Dell & Alienware are NOT the same build].

So on to 1-800-Alienware....

[BaneNWN]

In the end its your decision but if it were me for that kind of money id find out brand names for every part on that PC then find hardware reviews for every last componet on that rig.$1600-$1800 for an alienware is low buck for them and i wouldnt trust that.there PC'S usally run $2500 and up from what i see with your specs.I truely think there cutting the corners somewhere.By the way E.T. you seriously should read this before deciding http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1650.html

[E.T.]

Hey BaneNWN, that's a good resource you provided on Alienware.
Interesting that the company took a negative turn in July, then shot back up in August, but back down again in Sept.....makes you wonder if Dells involvement had anything to do with these ratings.

Keep in mind the price for the Area51/7500 is actually $1899. I reduced the price by -$200 w/coupon & -$130 w/no monitor selected as I have my own.
This brought price to aprox $1660...

Back to ratings from resellerratings.com:

LIFETIME rating : 7.2 out of 10

6 MONTH rating : 5.64 out of 10

Not very impressive, sure would like to know whats happened to Alienware [other than Dell association].

Thanks!

[Renzatic Gear]

Wait a few before you order, E.T. I'm gonna see what I can build you elsewhere for that same price...see if I can get you something that'll really kick your ass. :thumbsup:

[Renzatic Gear]

On Cyberpower, I built you a computer with all brand name parts, a slightly faster CPU, an extra gig of ram of Corsair Twin-X ram, a 700w Thermaltake PSU, a liquid cooling setup, a high end Creative X-Fi soundcard, and a case with bells and whistles...and it'll cost you $50 less (before the coupon) than the Alienware rig.

http://users.chartertn.net/greymatt/comp_specs.jpg

And if you built it yourself, you could save even more money. But considering the extras you're getting in this comp, I'd say it's worth the extra $189 that you'd be saving on the Alienware. And you'll easily have the fastest computer of anyone here.

[E.T.]

Bane, you really killed my Alienware attraction with that link. The real life feedback [in the dozens mind you] are heart wrenching to a gamer. I both love & hate that you brought this to my attention, I'm getting cold feet on Alienware [way too many late shipping dates are more than coincidence].

Beyond what I decide to do regarding an Alienware purchase, it will be interesting to see in the future if the company can pull its reputation back up.

[E.T.]

Ok Renz, I phoned Alienware as I was having trouble getting the $200 coupon to stick in my cart.....maybe a good thing [cooling off period].

The Cyberpower rig you configed is a step up on hardware. The extra gig of ram , one more drive & faster CPU is wort $100's more. Not so sure about the liquid cooling, never had any personal xp w/that. All in all a higher performer than the Area 51/7500.

I'm heading over to ck out Cyberpower now......thanks for the research RG!

[Renzatic Gear]

Liquid cooling is nice, but it's not an absolute necessity unless you're planning on doing some overclocking. Either way, it'll still keep your CPU nice and cool.

But if you want to save about $80, you can knock it off and go with a 3 fan configuration.

[DBS]

the liquid cooling also means a nearly silent computer usaully. I always thought AW computers were good till looking over that site...if they were a good company something has gone wrong lately.
I would not buy from them right now and I looked over the Dell site and it was a whole lot better. I have to say I have been happy but ...maybe the word is lucky!

[E.T.]

RG: I assume you have done repeated buisness w/Cyberpower?

Assume again you are happy w/them...no real problems?

[Renzatic Gear]

I haven't dealt with them personally, but I know 3 people that have. Two of them recieved their computers in perfect condition and up to specs, one had the wrong graphics card installed, he ordered a Radeon 9800 Pro, and they sent him a 9800 SE. But on a good note, he called them up to complain, they admitted their mistake, and immidiately RMA'd him the proper card the next day.

The only real complaint anyone had is they can be a little slow sometimes. It usually takes them about a week to build and ship your comp.

[DBS]

I meant to say the Dell reviews were also rather low.

[Mochan]

If you want an exotic cooling setup that's really quiet, I remember reading about a fanless liquid cooling dispersal system. It had a huge aluminum tower connected to your water block standing outside the CPU that disperses all the heat passively. I wanted one for kicks.

[DBS]

ya..Falcon has that..nice. I also saw a Black tower case that actually was a giant heat sink for the computer. Some nice stuff out there

[E.T.]

I suspect Alienware is having some problems. I base this on personal xp to date. I configured a rig, telepphoned sales rep re: application of $200 coupon only to end in w/confusion.Seems alienware & Dell are not communicating on promos. Im giving up on order as my emails & phone calls to order support regarding confirmation of delivery date for rig are going unanswered.

Thanks to RG for heads up on Cyberpowerpc.com; great hardware & competitve prices.

Thanks also to Bane_NWN for link to resellerratings.com for feedback from real time customers of Alienware....an eye-opener to be sure!

Alienware: are you still in the race?

[ilnadmy]

I just came across this thread, and while reading it I was hoping to God you wouldn't make my mistake and buy the Alienware. Fortunately, you came around.

I got an Alienware laptop last September. Top of the line. Three weeks after I received it, Windows stopped working. I call them up and they fix it on the phone. Then, during January (not even 4 months after I bought it), the computer refused to turn on. It just wouldn't power up. I called them up and they had me do some troubleshooting of my own, and then eventually sent me an RMA to send it to them. During the phone call though, the guy told me they would have to format my hard drive to reinstall Windows. I told him I have important information on the hard drive, and he told me they were not responsible for my data, so I had to buy a new hard drive. However, I specifically asked him to use the new hard drive to fix the machine, then replace it with my original 120 GB when the laptop was fixed. After a MONTH in their warehouse, they finally send it back to me. Apparently my video card blew itself out. Huh. Mind you this was a $3000 rig (yeah, I know, it's not worth the price, but I needed a laptop because I study in the US but live abroad).

Here's the kicker though: my 120 GB hard drive was IN A PLASTIC BAG :shocked:. I called them up furiously and the guy apologized and attempted to walk me through installing the hard drive back into the machine. However, this guy was absolutely clueless, and he was obviously reading the procedures off a computer. He was absolutely no help, and my friend and I pretty much figured it out on our own while he repeatedly put me on hold.

I finally fixed it, and the computer worked. Everything's fine, right? Wrong! From that day on, whenever I started playing a game for around 5 minutes, the computer would turn off. WTF?!! I called them up again, this time really pissed. They told me 'send it in so we can take a look at it'. Are you ****ting me?!! I asked to speak to their supervisor, and they connected me to her. I explained the problem to her, and she said she can't do anything and that I need to send it in to get checked. Knowing it takes them a month to send it back, and it usually comes back with another problem, I asked for assurance of what she would do for me if it came back with yet more problems. Her answer? "I can't see the future."

......WWWHAT?!! I kept my cool, but was visibly pissed the hell off. I argued with her about how this computer isn't even 4 months old and already it's crapping out on me. She repeated that I need to send it in, and that she can't read the future. Then, she said something that just sent me off the edge. "If you can see the future, why are you calling us?" :eek: Oh you b****. I went mental on her for about 5 minutes :incazzato:, then just asked for her supervisor. Apparently, she doesn't have one.

"I don't have a supervisor."
"Excuse me?"
"I don't have a supervisor."
"Then let me talk to the CEO."
"You can't talk to the CEO, he's the CEO. That's why he has me."
"Well he probably should have hired somebody else then."
"..."
"I don't care, give me whoever hired you."
"Nobody hired me."
"NOBODY HIRED YOU?! SO YOU JUST WALKED IN AND GOT A JOB?!"
"..."

I eventually hung up and didn't send the laptop back in. I remedied the situation by raising the laptop and placing a fan on its side to blow air under the laptop.

All was fine until this summer, when I was back home. Around the end of August, I was playing World of Warcraft when all of a sudden the screen stops working. I check again, and the screen doesn't work. The computer is on, the sound works, the game is obviously playing, but I can't see ****. I shine a light on the screen and I can see the LCD veeery faintly, but the backlight is off. I seriously go berserk. I haven't even completed a full year with this thing and the monitor isn't working? I've been using computers, both desktops and laptops, for years and never in that entire time have I encountered one in which the screen stopped working. Since I wasn't going back to the US until around May, I sent the computer with someone who was going there so they could send it to Alienware. This was beginning of September. That person is coming back with my laptop next week. Apparently, the inverter crapped out. $@#!*&%!

In short, don't get an Alienware. Never get an Alienware. Don't even consider it. Their customer service is, with all honesty, the worst of any single company I have ever dealt with. They refuse to acknowledge that they made a mistake, and they refuse to help you until you've jumped through hoops. They apparently also use craptacular parts. The laptop itself looks good and when it performs, it performs well, so it's not a complete waste. I also bought the 3-year warranty (a lifesaver I must say), so I didn't have to pay for any of this. However, the frustration and anger they caused me is honestly unmatched, and you can be sure that I tell this story to everyone who ever asks about Alienware.

...

So...how's your non-Alienware PC working out for you? :D

[E.T.]

Goog timing with your reply ilnadmy; I just opened my mail to see a $400 coupon from Alienware, as well as your post here.

Your experience with Alienware sounds like a nightmare I wouldn't want. The resellerrating.com link BaneNWN provided in his post [#9] drove the death-nail into an Alienware pc purchase for me. Too many complaints regarding delayed shipping, a few reviewers had issues similar to yours. Now that Dell has gotten involved with Alienware, it seems that business/tech support has degraded further. You may have read my xp regarding an attempt to purchase an Area 51 system. What is clear to me is that Dell & Alienware are not on the same page with promos offered to consumers. I still cant get over how a sales rep @ Dell had "...never heard of Alienware..." & also how my order on Area 51 rig seemed to vaporize when I asked for commitment on a delivery date in writing. Still, Alienware & Dell are filling my mailbox with tempting coupons .

I purchased a nice AMD64 laptop from Gateway a year or so back. Hardware/software wise the performance has been trouble free. I did experience a common cracked hinge cover [cosmetic mostly] that Gateway did a rapid RMA for me with no questions asked. They shipped overnight a return package w/RMA prepaid, completed repair & returned to me within a week & extended the warranty to boot! I would expect Alienware to equal or exceed this kind of service, especially when you consider the cost of your laptop was double that of mine.

I hope your laptop is returned to you next week in good working order, LCD functioning properly etc. Please post back here if you care to, would still like to hear any feedback info on how Alienware is treating its customers in real [current] time. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Alienware as a viable supplier of high end gaming rigs......

[Btw, regarding my "...non-Alienware purchase, I am looking at local ma & pa type pc builders in Seattle area for next system purchase.]

[-Deebo-]

Hello Renzatic Gear, I noticed that you helped someone else out with an alternative to an alienware. I'm here for the same thing but, the tricky part is I want a gaming notebook since I'm in high school I don't want to buy another laptop when I go to college. I was considering buying an Area-51 m9750 my quote id is 1044017 if you want to look on the options I selected.The total came out to $2,048.00 I would also like it to have windows xp installed instead of vista. So if you can go to that site that you mentioned for the other person you helped that would be great. I will also PM you this if you don't see this thread.

[ilnadmy]

Don't get an Alienware, Deebo. Read my post (2 posts above yours). Alienware is TERRIBLE.

I'm currently using an HP Pavilion, and it's great for gaming. Check them out, they're pretty well-priced too.

[-Deebo-]

Thanks I will be sure to check out some HP's. What kind of HP do you have? I'm really looking to be running different types of games from World of Warcraft to Crysis so will your comp be able to run games like that? Here is the Notebook I configured on Cyberpowerpc.com:

$1903.00
(before all applicable rebates)


DISPLAY LCD: 17" WSXGA+ Widescreen TFT Display 1680x1050 Pixels
CPU: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Mobile T7700 Dual-Core Processor @ 2.40GHz 800FSB 4MB L2 Cache 64-bit
MOTHERBOARD: Mobile Intel PM965 + ICH-8M Chipset Mainboard
MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC5300 DDR2-667 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
VIDEO CARD: Built-in NVIDIA GeForce Go 8600M GT 512MB with Turbo Cache Technology Video
HARD DRIVE: 200GB 7200RPM SATA150 HARD DRIVE
OPTICAL DRIVE: 8X DVD REWRITABLE DRIVE
SOUND: BUILT-IN AC 97 SOUND

Does anyone know if this will be able to run Crysis??

[ilnadmy]

My laptop can't run Crysis too well, but I'm playing Call of Duty 4 alright, and I don't even have the high-end Pavilion, so if you get one of the more expensive ones you should be able to ratchet up the graphics.